Removable slip-resistant cover for a walking device

ABSTRACT

A removable cover or sleeve for an assisted walking device includes a body and an engagement feature configured to retain the sleeve on the assisted walking device. The body includes a tubular side panel defining an open end, and a closed bottom end with an outer surface. The body defines a hollow interior volume configured to receive a bottom end of the assisted walking device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from Provisional Application U.S. Application No. 61/806,727, filed Mar. 29, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a protective and decorative assisted walking device tip cover. As used herein, an “assisted walking device” is a device used to assist with walking or otherwise improve mobility. The assisted walking device may be, for example, a crutch (e.g., underarm crutch, forearm crutch, etc.), a cane (e.g., single-point cane, quad-cane, etc.), a hemi walker, a walker, or other similar device. The ends of assisted walking devices typically include a tip formed of rubber or another elastomeric material. The tip cushions the impact of the end of the assisted walking device on a walking surface, reducing the force experienced by the user of the assisted walking device and damage to the walking surface. The tip can also provides a slip resistant contact surface for the end of the assisted walking device. In any case, the tip is designed to be non-removable and is permanently affixed to the ends of the walking device.

When used in various environments, the tip of the assisted walking device that directly engages the ground or other supporting surface collects unwanted dirt and contaminants that are tracked into clean environments, such as the home. The tip, being typically permanently coupled to the end of the assisted walking device, make it inconvenient to remove and/or to clean.

SUMMARY

One embodiment relates to a removable cover for an assisted walking device. The cover includes a body configured to receive an end of a leg of the walking device and an engagement feature configured to retain the cover on the walking device. The body includes a tubular side panel defining an open end, and a closed bottom end. The closed bottom end includes an outer surface disposed between the end of the assisted walking device and a support surface.

Another embodiment relates to a removable sleeve for an assisted walking device. The removable sleeve includes a body and an engagement feature configured to retain the sleeve on the assisted walking device. The body includes a tubular side panel defining an open end, and a closed bottom end with an outer surface. The body defines a hollow interior volume configured to receive a bottom end of the assisted walking device.

Yet another embodiment relates to a method for covering the tip for a leg of an assisted walking device. The method includes providing a flexible cover, the cover having an open end with an expandable diameter and interior volume. The method further includes expanding the diameter of the open end of the cover to a diameter larger than the diameter of the tip of the assisted walking device. The method further includes inserting the tip through the open end into the interior volume and reducing the diameter of the open end to engage the leg of the assisted walking device.

Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features as may be generally recited in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will become more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an assisted walking device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a removable cover for an assisted walking device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a removable cover for an assisted walking device, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a removable cover for an assisted walking device depicting a pattern for a slip-resistant layer, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

The present invention relates to a flexible cover or sleeve that can be applied over the tip of the leg of an assisted walking device. The cover surrounds the tip trapping any dirt or contaminants on the tip within the cover so that they are not spread to the ground or other supporting surface when the cover is applied. The cover may be a disposable member that is placed on the tip of the assisted walking device, for example, by a user entering a house or other area and discarded when the user leaves the clean area. The outside surface and/or the inside surface of the bottom of the cover optionally includes a slip-resistant material to increase friction between the cover and the supporting surface and/or between the cover and the tip of the assisted walking device.

An assisted walking device is configured to provide support to a user with impaired or limited mobility, whether due to an accident or due to a chronic condition. Referring to FIG. 1, an assisted walking device is shown according to an exemplary embodiment as a single point cane 10. The cane 10 includes a frame with a handle 12 and a tubular leg 14 extending from the handle to a support surface (e.g., the ground, floor, etc.). In other embodiments, the assisted walking device may be any similar device, such as a cane with multiple legs (e.g., a quad-cane), a crutch (e.g., underarm crutch, a forearm crutch, etc.), a hemi walker, or a walker.

The cane 10 further includes an end member or tip 16 (e.g., foot, cap, etc.) coupled to the bottom end of the leg 14 opposite the handle 12. The tip 16 is a cup-shaped member formed of a resilient material, such as rubber or another elastomer. The tip 16 may be permanently attached to the leg 14, such as with an adhesive, or may be only semi-permanently attached to the leg. If semi-permanently attached, the tip 16 may have an inner diameter that is equal to or slightly less than the diameter of the leg 14 such that the tip 16 is attached to the end of the leg 14 via friction with an interference fit. Because the tip 16 is intended to withstand everyday use of the cane 10 and be removed only when being replaced due to excessive wear, the interference fit between the tip 16 and the leg 14 may be difficult to disengage. The tip 16 cushions the impact of the leg 14 on the support surface. The elastomeric material of the tip 16 increases the friction between the cane 10 and the support surface, increasing the stability of the user.

The bottom of the tip 16 may be contoured to enhance the impact absorption and friction properties of the tip. Further, the bottom of the tip 16 may become worn from contact with the support surface. During normal use of the cane 10, the tip 16 may come into contact with a wide variety of surfaces. Dirt or other contaminants may become trapped by the tip 16 and may therefore be transported from one support surface to another. This may be especially undesirable when the user of the cane 10 moves from a dirty environment, such as an exterior environment, to an environment that is intended to remain free of outside contaminants, such as a hospital or a home.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the cane 10 further includes a cover 20 coupled to the lower end of the leg 14 and surrounding the tip 16. The cover 20 has a body that is formed in whole or part of any suitable fabric or other suitably flexible material. According to various exemplary embodiments, the cover 20 may be formed from a knitted fabric, a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric (e.g., a paper-based fabric, polyvinyl chloride film, felt, artificial leather, etc.), or a web material. The fabric may be formed of a natural fiber (e.g., cotton, wood fiber, animal hair, etc.) or from a synthetic fiber (e.g., polyester). Preferably, the fabric is water and/or dirt resistant, and is machine-washable.

The cover 20 includes a side member shown as a side panel 22 and a circular end panel 24. When joined along the edges, the side panel 22 forms a tube open on both ends. The end panel 24 is coupled to the side panel 22 such that the bottom end of the cover 20 is closed to form a cup-shaped body with a hollow interior. The top edge 26 of the side panel 22 defines an opening 28 that is sized to receive the tip 16. According to an exemplary embodiment, the opening 28 is expandable and has a base or rest diameter that is less than the diameter of the tip 16, but can be stretched or expanded to a maximum diameter that is greater than the diameter of the tip 16, allowing the tip 16 to be inserted through the opening 28 into the hollow interior of the cover 20 while still allowing the cover 20 to fit snugly about the bottom portion of the leg 14. According to an exemplary embodiment, the cover 20 has a base diameter of between 0.5 in. and 2.5 in. and a maximum diameter of between 2.5 in. and 3.5 in. According to an exemplary embodiment, the side panel 22 has a height of between 1.5 in. and 5 in.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the base or rest diameter of the opening 28 is less than the diameter of the leg 14 or the diameter of the tip 16. Once the tip 16 is inserted into the interior of the cover 20, the opening 28 reduces in size until the side panel 22 proximate to the top edge 26 compresses against the surface of the leg 14 or the tip 16 to retain the cover on the leg 14 and maintain the position of the cover 20 on the cane 10. According to an exemplary embodiment, a strip or multiple strips of an elastic material 30 is coupled to the side panel 22 along the top edge 26. The elastic material is designed to allow efficient application of the cover to the walking device, yet prevent slippage or “accidental” removal of the cover from the tip. In other words, the elastic material is designed to ensure a snug and secure fit around the tip of the walking device. It should be understood from this description that in some embodiments, the elastic material may be replaced or complemented with other materials that can effect the same engagement function, e.g., impermanent adhesives, cinches, belts, and the like.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the elastic material 30 may be coupled to the side panel 22 proximate to the top edge 26 on an inside surface 32 of the side panel 22, an outside surface 34 of the side panel 22, or may be woven through a series of openings in the side panel 22. According to another exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the opening 28 may be reduced with another device, such as a drawstring or a strap. According to another exemplary embodiment, the cover 20 may be held on the lower portion of the leg 14 with the diameter of the opening 28 reduced with another device, such as a clip.

The cover 20 further includes a slip-resistant material 40 located on the end panel 24. The slip-resistant material 40 is configured to be a pliable, resilient material. When compressed by the weight of a user of the cane 10, the slip-resistant material deforms to increases the traction between the cover 20 and another surface. According to one exemplary embodiment, the slip-resistant material is an elastomer (e.g., natural polyisoprene, nitrile rubber, PVC vinyl, silicone rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, etc.). The slip-resistant material 40 may be a coating applied to the fabric material of the cover 20 or may be a separate panel coupled to the body, such as with an adhesive or stitching. The skip-resistant material may cover the entire bottom surface of the cover or a portion thereof. According to an exemplary embodiment, the slip-resistant material 40 has a thickness between approximately 0.1 mm and approximately 4 mm.

As shown in FIG. 2, according to one exemplary embodiment, the slip-resistant material 40 may be applied to the outside surface 34 to increase the traction between the cover 20 and the support surface. According to another exemplary embodiment, a slip-resistant material may be applied to the inside surface 32 to increase the traction between the cover 20 and the bottom of the tip 16.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the cover 20 may not include an end panel 24. Instead, the bottom edges of the side panel 22 may be joined together to form a closed bottom end of the cover that is disposed between the bottom surface of the tip 16 and the support surface when the cover 20 is coupled to the leg 14 of the cane 10. The slip resistant material 40 may be applied to portions of the side panel 22 proximate to the bottom edge such that the slip resistant material 40 is disposed on the outer surface of the closed bottom end when the bottom edges are joined together.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-4, a cover 50 is shown according to another exemplary embodiment coupled to the lower end of the leg 14 and surrounding the tip 16. The cover 50 is formed in whole or part of any suitable fabric or other suitably flexible material. According to an exemplary embodiment, the cover 50 is formed from an elastomeric fabric. The fabric may be knitted fabric, a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, or a web material. The fabric includes elastomeric fibers, allowing the cover 50 to expand and contract to be form-fitting to the contours of the tip 16 and the leg 14. If the fabric is a woven fabric, it may only include elastomeric fibers in one direction, allowing it to be expandable the one direction (e.g., the weft direction) and be non-expandable in the other direction (e.g., the warp direction).

The cover 50 includes a side member shown as a side panel 52 and a circular end panel 54. When joined along the edges, the side panel 52 forms a tube open on both ends. The end panel 54 is coupled to the side panel 52 such that the bottom end of the cover 50 is closed to form a cup-shaped body with a hollow interior. The top edge 56 of the side panel 52 defines an opening 58 that is sized to receive the tip 16. The opening 58 is expandable due to the expandable nature of the fabric forming the side panel 52 and has a base or rest diameter that is less than the diameter of the tip 16, but can be stretched or expanded to a maximum diameter that is greater than the diameter of the tip 16.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the base or rest diameter of the opening 58 is less than the diameter of the leg 14 or the diameter of the tip 16. Once the tip 16 is inserted through the opening 58 into the hollow interior of the cover 50, the opening 28 and the rest of the side panel 52 contracts to fit snugly about the tip 16 and the bottom portion of the leg 14 to retain the cover on the leg 14 and maintain the position of the cover 50 on the cane 10. According to an exemplary embodiment, the cover 50 has a base diameter of between 0.5 in. and 2.5 in. and a maximum diameter of between 2.5 in. and 3.5 in. According to an exemplary embodiment, the side panel 52 has a height of between 1.5 in. and 5 in.

The cover 50 further includes a slip-resistant material 70 located on the end panel 54. The slip-resistant material 70 is configured to be a pliable, resilient material. When compressed by the weight of a user of the cane 10, the slip-resistant material deforms to increase the fraction between the cover 50 and another surface. According to one exemplary embodiment, the slip-resistant material is an elastomer (e.g., natural polyisoprene, nitrile rubber, PVC vinyl, silicone rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, etc.). The slip-resistant material 70 may be a coating applied in a pattern to the fabric material of the body 50. The slip resistant material 70 may be applied in discreet sections separated by spaces or gaps 72. According to an exemplary embodiment, the slip-resistant material has a thickness between approximately 0.1 mm and approximately 4 mm. According to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-4, the slip-resistant material may be applied in a herringbone pattern. According to other exemplary embodiments, the slip resistant material 70 may be applied in another pattern (e.g., a checkerboard pattern, a diamond plate pattern, a grid, parallel lines, randomly, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 3, according to one exemplary embodiment, the slip-resistant material 70 may be applied to the outside surface 64 to increase the traction between the cover 50 and the support surface. According to another exemplary embodiment, a slip-resistant material may be applied to the inside surface 62 to increase the traction between the cover 50 and the bottom of the tip 16. The slip-resistant material 70 may extend to a portion of the side panel 52.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the cover 50 may not include an end panel 54. Instead, the bottom edges of the side panel 52 may be joined together to form a closed bottom end of the cover that is disposed between the bottom surface of the tip 16 and the support surface when the cover 50 is coupled to the leg 14 of the cane 10. The slip-resistant material 70 may be applied to portions of the side panel 52 proximate to the bottom edge such that the slip-resistant material 70 is disposed on the outer surface of the closed bottom end when the bottom edges are joined together.

Covers (e.g., covers 20 and 50) may be provided at the entrance to a building or a room intended to be kept relatively free of contaminants from an outside environment. A user may take a cover from a provided supply and simply and intuitively couple the cover to the bottom of the cane or other assisted walking device by first stretching the engagement feature until the open top of the cover has a diameter greater than the diameter of the tip of the assisted walking device and then sliding the cover over the tip until the tip is surrounded by the cover. The engagement feature is then released such that it is allowed to contract to couple the cover to the assisted walking device. The engagement feature and the size of the cover allows the cover to fit snugly and contain contaminants on the tip 16 to maintain a cleaner facility. When leaving the building or room, a user may remove the cover and deposit the used cover in a receptacle.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the cover may be configured to be disposable and the choice of fabric may therefore be a based at least partially on relative cost. According to another exemplary embodiment, the cover may be configured to be laundered and reused. The fabric may be decorative in nature and may be a wide variety of colors or patterns.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the cover may be used to cover a clean tip and protect the tip from contaminants. For example, the cover may be coupled to the tip of the assisted walking device when leaving a building or room relatively free from contaminants and entering the exterior (e.g., during a rainstorm, during a snowstorm, in wet or muddy environments). The cover may therefore be formed of a relatively rugged material to withstand damage from uneven support surfaces. If used in an exterior environment, the cover may be waterproof to protect the tip from moisture. Such a cover may then be removed before re-entering a building and placed in a receptacle to be laundered or disposed of.

The construction and arrangements of the protective cover, as shown in the various exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A cover for an assisted walking device, the cover comprising: a body configured to receive an end of a leg of the walking device, the body comprising: a tubular side panel defining an open end; and a closed bottom end, the closed bottom end comprising an inner surface confronting the end of the leg; and an outer surface opposite of the inner surface and disposed between the end of the assisted walking device and a support surface; and an engagement feature configured to retain the cover on the walking device.
 2. The cover of claim 1, wherein the body comprises one of a knitted fabric, a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, or a web material.
 3. The cover of claim 2, wherein the engagement feature comprises an elastic band disposed around the open end.
 4. The cover of claim 1, wherein the body comprises an elastomeric fabric.
 5. The cover of claim 4, wherein the engagement feature comprises the tubular side panel.
 6. The cover of claim 1, further comprising a slip-resistant material disposed on the inside surface and/or the outside surface of the bottom panel.
 7. The cover of claim 6, wherein the slip-resistant material comprises an elastomeric coating.
 8. The cover of claim 4, wherein the elastomeric coating has a thickness of approximately 0.1 mm to approximately 4 mm.
 9. The cover of claim 1, wherein the cover is a disposable cover.
 10. A removable sleeve for an assisted walking device, comprising: a body comprising: a tubular side panel defining an open end; and a closed bottom end, the closed bottom end comprising an inner surface confronting the end of the leg; and an outer surface opposite of the inner surface and disposed between the end of the assisted walking device and a support surface; and an engagement feature configured to retain the sleeve on the assisted walking device; wherein the body defines a hollow interior volume configured to receive a bottom end of the assisted walking device.
 11. The removable sleeve of claim 10, wherein the open end has a maximum diameter that is at least 5% greater than the diameter of the bottom end of the assisted walking device.
 12. The removable sleeve of claim 10, wherein the body comprises one of a knitted fabric, a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, or a web material.
 13. The removable sleeve of claim 10, wherein the body comprises an elastomeric fabric.
 14. The removable sleeve of claim 13, wherein the engagement feature comprises the tubular side panel.
 15. The removable sleeve of claim 10, wherein the engagement feature comprises an elastic band disposed around the open end.
 16. The removable sleeve of claim 10; further comprising a slip-resistant material disposed on the inside surface and/or the outside surface of the bottom panel.
 17. The removable sleeve of claim 16, wherein the slip-resistant material comprises an elastomeric coating.
 18. The removable sleeve of claim 17, wherein the elastomeric coating has a thickness of approximately 0.1 mm to approximately 4 mm.
 19. The removable sleeve of claim 10, wherein the sleeve is a reusable sleeve.
 20. The removable sleeve of claim 10, wherein the sleeve is a disposable sleeve.
 21. A method for covering the tip for a leg of an assisted walking device, comprising: providing a flexible cover, the cover having an open end with an expandable diameter an interior volume; expanding the diameter of the open end of the cover to a diameter larger than the diameter of the tip of the assisted walking device; inserting the tip through the open end into the interior volume; and reducing the diameter of the open end to engage the leg of the assisted walking device. 